PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Haridwar
A tiger was found dead in the Shyampur range of Haridwar and one person was arrested on suspicion as all the four paws of the big cat were found to have been chopped with search underway for a second accused.
According to Forest department officials, the body of a tiger estimated to be aged about two years was found in the Shyampur range of Haridwar forest division late on Monday evening. The divisional forest officer Swapnil Aniruddh said that acting on a tip off from an informant coupled with suspicion, the department personnel found the body of a male tiger in the Sajjanpur beat of the range. All the paws of the big cat had been chopped off. The carcass of a buffalo was also found near the tiger’s body.
On the basis of suspicion, the Forest department personnel arrested a Van Gujjar identified as Alam alias Pammi. Another accused Amir Hamza alias Miya is absconding with teams on the search for him. Department officials said that prima facie it appears as if the tiger was poisoned with the intention of trading its body parts.
The DFO said that the post mortem of the tiger was conducted as per the guidelines of the National Tiger Conservation Authority. The department is investigating the case and working to arrest all accused in the case.
